Recommended Books
Mary in the Church: A Selection of Teaching Documents
compiled by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops
Let's face it; Church documents are not exactly beach reading. Still, this collection of four documents about Mary - one from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, one from Pope Paul VI, and two from Pope John Paul II - are very compelling. They touch on a variety of topics: Mary as intercessor, the role of the Rosary in prayer life, Mary as the model disciple. My own copy is heavily marked ... read it with a pen in hand to capture all the great insights. 100 Names of Mary
by Anthony F. Chiffolo
This is a terrific resource for anyone who is curious about the many titles of Mary. The author discusses a variety of names for Mary, everything from "Advocate" to "Virgin of Tenderness," and explains their historical and Scriptural background. I was fascinated by the stories, as well as by the poetic beauty of some of Mary's lesser-known titles (names like "Cedar of Lebanon" and "Morning Star.") The author also includes traditional and original prayers inspired by each title.Looking for Mary, or The Blessed Mother and Me
by Beverly Donofrio
This is a compulsively readable memoir. Donofrio was a teenage mother and lapsed Catholic who spent years trying to find herself, and - as she candidly admits - neglecting her son in the process. As he grew into adulthood, their relationship was strained. It was in her forties that she began to draw close to Mary, and went on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, with surprising outcomes. Some readers may be put off by her frankness and her criticism of certain aspects of Catholicism, but her story is a moving look at how Mary can slide quietly into our lives, even when we least expect her.Guadalupe: Mother of the New Creation
by Virgil Elizondo
This book is thoughtful meditation on the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The author explains how this apparition represents a coming together of two cultures, indigenous and European, and how Mary's appearance to Juan Diego is a call for the marginalized to be treated with dignity. It made me think about what it means to have a global faith.
compiled by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops
Let's face it; Church documents are not exactly beach reading. Still, this collection of four documents about Mary - one from the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, one from Pope Paul VI, and two from Pope John Paul II - are very compelling. They touch on a variety of topics: Mary as intercessor, the role of the Rosary in prayer life, Mary as the model disciple. My own copy is heavily marked ... read it with a pen in hand to capture all the great insights. 100 Names of Mary
by Anthony F. Chiffolo
This is a terrific resource for anyone who is curious about the many titles of Mary. The author discusses a variety of names for Mary, everything from "Advocate" to "Virgin of Tenderness," and explains their historical and Scriptural background. I was fascinated by the stories, as well as by the poetic beauty of some of Mary's lesser-known titles (names like "Cedar of Lebanon" and "Morning Star.") The author also includes traditional and original prayers inspired by each title.Looking for Mary, or The Blessed Mother and Me
by Beverly Donofrio
This is a compulsively readable memoir. Donofrio was a teenage mother and lapsed Catholic who spent years trying to find herself, and - as she candidly admits - neglecting her son in the process. As he grew into adulthood, their relationship was strained. It was in her forties that she began to draw close to Mary, and went on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, with surprising outcomes. Some readers may be put off by her frankness and her criticism of certain aspects of Catholicism, but her story is a moving look at how Mary can slide quietly into our lives, even when we least expect her.Guadalupe: Mother of the New Creation
by Virgil Elizondo
This book is thoughtful meditation on the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The author explains how this apparition represents a coming together of two cultures, indigenous and European, and how Mary's appearance to Juan Diego is a call for the marginalized to be treated with dignity. It made me think about what it means to have a global faith.